Samsung Biologics, South Korea's largest contract development and manufacturing organization, said Wednesday that it has signed a contract with LegoChem Biosciences to develop antibody-drug conjugate -- or simply ADC -- therapeutics, designed as targeted treatment for cancer.

LegoChem Biosciences, founded in 2006, specializes in research and development capabilities in therapeutics, especially with a focus on ADC technology and synthetic drugs.

Last year, LegoChem transferred its ADC drug candidate, LCB84, designed to treat solid tumors, to Janssen Biotech, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, for 2.24 trillion won ($1.7 billion).

Under the agreement, Samsung Biologics will be responsible for the development of antibodies, which are essential for the development of ADCs, including cell line development and sample cell manufacturing for preclinical and clinical trials.

“We will continue to invest in the ADC field to secure competitiveness in the market as it is emerging as a next-generation biotechnology,” said Samsung Biologics CEO John Lim.

“Samsung Biologics aims to enhance collaboration with promising domestic biotech companies such as LegoChem Biosciences to bolster technological competitiveness."

"Previously, we secured antibodies for ADCs solely through overseas companies," said LegoChem Biosciences CEO Kim Yong-zu. "With this agreement, we expect to establish a stable domestic supply chain with Samsung Biologics."

Therapeutics companies with ADC technology -- in which Samsung Biologics has invested through the Samsung Life Science Fund -- include Araris Biotech, a Swiss ADC technology developer, in April and domestic biotech company AimedBio in September.

Samsung Biologics also expects to complete the construction of a production facility dedicated to manufacturing ADC-relevant drugs by the year-end.